What Are The 13 Easiest Degrees To Get?

College can feel challenging, but some degree programs are structured to make them more accessible for a wide range of students. While “easy” is always subjective, certain majors emphasize skills like reading, writing, and analysis over complex mathematics, laboratory research, or highly technical coursework. These degrees can be especially manageable for students with strong communication skills, creative interests, or a desire for flexible learning.

Key Takeaways

• Easy Degrees Often Focus on Liberal Arts and Social Sciences: Fields like communications, social work, education, and creative writing typically require fewer advanced math or science courses, making them more accessible to students with strong reading, writing, and analytical skills.
• Online Learning Provides Flexible Pathways to Degree Completion: Accredited online programs offer self-paced study and scheduling flexibility that benefit working adults and non-traditional students.
• Career Prospects Should Guide Degree Selection Over Ease Alone: Choosing a major based solely on its difficulty can limit opportunities; instead, consider your interests, talents, and long-term goals.
• University of the People Offers Accessible, Tuition-Free Education: UoPeople’s flexible, career-focused degrees in business, computer science, health science, and education combine accessibility with practical skill development.

Are College Degrees Generally Easy to Get?

Whether a degree feels “easy” depends on several factors: your academic background, the institution’s standards, and the program you choose. Some majors require extensive research, lab work, and mastery of technical skills, while others focus on accessible theoretical study or creative projects.

Admission requirements, course rigor, faculty expectations, and graduation criteria also vary widely between schools. A program that one student breezes through may challenge another significantly, depending on their natural strengths and learning style.

It’s also worth noting that “easy” should not be confused with “effortless.” Even the most accessible degrees require commitment, time management, and consistent study to complete successfully.

Factors To Consider When Choosing A College Major

While ease of a college major may be one criteria by which you choose a major, it’s not the only thing to take into consideration. These are some questions to ask yourself when deciding on your major:

• Passion: What am I naturally interested and curious to learn about?
• Natural Talent: Do I possess special skills or talents that would bode well in a profession or specific subject?
• Career Opportunities: How will this degree help open up possible career opportunities?
• Financial Gains: What are the financial prospects of the position I want to hold?
• Networking Opportunities: Will this major help me connect with professionals in my desired field?
• Work-Life Balance: Will this career path allow me to maintain a healthy balance between work and my personal life?
• Financial Considerations: What are the costs associated with this major, and are there scholarships or financial aid options available?

What Are The Easiest Degrees To Pass?

Before we dive into the easiest college degrees and classes you can attend, let’s remind ourselves that it is not a good idea to get a degree JUST because it’s easy. Of course, you want to do well in your major classes and have a good GPA. But if you major in something without considering the aforementioned questions, then it could lead to a dead end.

That being said, these degrees do offer many great career opportunities and are well-suited for those who are genuinely interested in pursuing them. Let’s get to it!

1. Theatre

If you enjoy performing, theatre offers an engaging path that blends creativity with collaboration. Coursework often emphasizes hands-on projects and performances rather than complex theory or exams.

• Main Pros: Creative expression, teamwork, and confidence building.
• Main Cons: Competitive industry with irregular job stability.
• Popular Jobs: Actor, director, stage manager.

What Makes Theatre an Easy Degree to Get

Theatre programs typically focus on practical work, rehearsals, and productions, with fewer technical or research-heavy requirements. Assessments often come in the form of performances and creative portfolios.

Where to Study Theatre

Offered at many universities, community colleges, and online arts academies. Some schools also provide intensive short-term performance programs.

2. Creative Writing

If storytelling is your passion, a creative writing degree lets you explore fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and screenwriting while developing your voice as an author. Most programs follow a workshop model where students critique each other’s work and refine their craft, with feedback from experienced writers.

• Main Pros: Freedom of expression, strong writing and editing skills
• Main Cons: Competitive job market, subjective evaluation
• Popular Jobs: Author, content writer, editor

What Makes Creative Writing an Easy Degree to Get

Assessment primarily involves writing assignments and workshops rather than exams or technical projects. You can tailor topics and genres to your interests.

Where to Study Creative Writing

Common at liberal arts colleges and universities, with growing fully online options and certificate tracks in fiction, nonfiction, or poetry.

3. Social Work

Social work degrees prepare you to help individuals and communities access resources, navigate challenges, and advocate for change. Courses cover social policy, human behavior, counseling techniques, and ethics. Many programs also include field placements for real-world experience.

• Main Pros: Positive social impact, diverse settings
• Main Cons: Emotional demands, burnout risk
• Popular Jobs: Social worker, counselor, community outreach coordinator

What Makes Social Work an Easy Degree to Get

Social work programs typically avoid heavy math or lab science requirements, focusing instead on applied learning, communication, and policy understanding. Fieldwork components are structured, with supervision and support, making them accessible even for those new to the field.

Where to Study Social Work

Many universities offer Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) programs, and accredited online degrees are widely available. Schools often have strong ties to community organizations, providing internships and networking opportunities during your studies.

4. History

A history degree explores human events from ancient civilizations to modern politics, helping you understand how the past shapes today’s world. You’ll develop analytical skills by examining primary sources, writing research papers, and debating historical interpretations. Coursework is typically reading-heavy, with less emphasis on technical or quantitative assessments.

• Main Pros: Strong research and writing skills, broad cultural awareness, and critical thinking development
• Main Cons: Fewer direct-entry career options without graduate study, competitive academic job market
• Popular Jobs: Historian, archivist, museum curator, educator

What Makes History an Easy Degree to Get

History programs focus on essays, presentations, and independent research rather than math or lab work. Students can specialize in topics they find fascinating, which makes the workload more engaging and manageable.

Where to Study History

History is widely available at nearly all universities and community colleges, and numerous online programs allow you to complete research remotely and access digital archives.

5. Communications and PR

A communications and public relations degree trains you to craft messages, manage media relations, and shape public perception. Coursework often includes public speaking, writing, marketing strategy, and digital media production. The skills are transferable across industries, from corporate roles to nonprofit outreach.

• Main Pros: Versatile skill set, high demand across industries, practical real-world projects
• Main Cons: Need to keep up with changing media trends, competitive job markets in top industries
• Popular Jobs: Public relations specialist, marketing coordinator, media planner, corporate communications officer

What Makes Communications and PR an Easy Degree to Get

Programs rely on creative projects, campaigns, and presentations instead of technical exams. Assignments often involve real-world scenarios, making coursework both relevant and accessible.

Where to Study Communications and PR

Offered at most universities, community colleges, and online institutions. Many programs include internship opportunities with media companies, nonprofits, and government agencies.

6. Women’s Studies

Women’s studies examines gender, identity, and equality through historical, cultural, and political perspectives. The degree often integrates sociology, literature, and history courses, fostering critical thinking and advocacy skills.

• Main Pros: Interdisciplinary learning, opportunities for activism, strong analytical skills development
• Main Cons: Narrower direct-entry career options, often require pairing with another specialization for certain roles
• Popular Jobs: Diversity and inclusion coordinator, gender studies researcher, community program manager

What Makes Women’s Studies an Easy Degree to Get

Programs typically emphasize essays, discussion-based learning, and flexible elective choices rather than technical coursework or rigid prerequisites. GPA requirements are often lower than in more competitive majors.

Where to Study Women’s Studies

Found at many liberal arts colleges and large universities, with growing online options that can be combined with other majors like sociology, political science, or education.

7. Religious Studies

Religious studies explores global faith traditions, belief systems, and cultural practices. You’ll analyze sacred texts, study religious history, and examine the role of religion in contemporary society.

• Main Pros: Broader cultural understanding, interdisciplinary approach, transferable research skills
• Main Cons: Limited direct career pathways without additional qualifications, potential for specialized academic focus that narrows job options
• Popular Jobs: Clergy member, religious studies professor, cultural consultant, nonprofit worker

What Makes Religious Studies an Easy Degree to Get

Coursework often involves reading, analysis, and discussion rather than lab or technical work. Since many assignments are essay-based, they are accessible to students with strong writing and comprehension skills.

Where to Study Religious Studies

Available at many universities, seminaries, and online programs that allow students to focus on specific traditions or comparative religion.

8. Foreign Language

A foreign language degree allows you to become fluent in speaking, reading, and writing in another language, while learning about its culture and history. This skill set is valuable in business, education, diplomacy, and tourism.

• Main Pros: Bilingual or multilingual proficiency, cultural literacy, international career opportunities
• Main Cons: Job prospects can be narrow without complementary skills or certifications, fluency takes consistent practice
• Popular Jobs: Translator, interpreter, language teacher, cultural liaison

What Makes a Foreign Language an Easy Degree to Get

If you already have some proficiency in a language, completing a degree can be relatively straightforward. Coursework focuses on conversation, comprehension, and translation rather than technical or quantitative study.

Where to Study a Foreign Language

Offered at most universities, often with opportunities for study abroad. Many online programs allow for remote language immersion through virtual exchanges and interactive platforms.

9. Education

An education degree prepares you to teach and mentor students of various ages, from early childhood through secondary school. You’ll study learning theories, curriculum design, classroom management, and assessment methods, often paired with supervised teaching experience.

• Main Pros: Rewarding career shaping future generations, strong job stability, transferable leadership skills
• Main Cons: Demanding workload during school terms, modest starting salaries in some regions
• Popular Jobs: Teacher, school counselor, educational administrator, curriculum developer

What Makes Education an Easy Degree to Get

Education programs often have structured coursework with clear objectives, combining theory with practical teaching experience. While student teaching can be time-intensive, the curriculum is generally straightforward, focusing on applied learning rather than technical research.

Where to Study Education

Available at universities, teacher training colleges, and through online degree programs. Many schools offer flexible paths for working adults, including part-time and accelerated certification routes.

10. English Literature

English literature degrees immerse you in classic and contemporary works while developing analysis, interpretation, and writing skills. You’ll study a range of genres, authors, and historical contexts, with assessments usually based on essays and research projects.

• Main Pros: Strong analytical and writing skills, broad cultural knowledge, adaptable to multiple career paths
• Main Cons: Limited direct-entry job roles without further specialization, competitive publishing, and academic markets
• Popular Jobs: Writer, editor, literary critic, communications specialist

What Makes English Literature an Easy Degree to Get

With a focus on reading and analysis, coursework is typically more flexible and less technical than STEM majors. You can often select literature courses that align with your personal interests, making assignments more enjoyable.

Where to Study English Literature

Widely offered at universities worldwide, with online options that allow flexible reading schedules and remote submission of essays.

11. Anthropology

Anthropology examines human societies and cultures and their development throughout history. Coursework blends social science theory with qualitative research, often involving fieldwork and cultural analysis.

• Main Pros: Interdisciplinary skill set, strong cultural awareness, research experience
• Main Cons: Limited direct-entry roles without advanced study, niche job markets in certain subfields
• Popular Jobs: Anthropologist, archaeologist, museum curator, cultural resource manager

What Makes Anthropology an Easy Degree to Get

While fieldwork can be hands-on, anthropology degrees generally emphasize essays, discussions, and case studies rather than intensive technical lab work. Students often have the flexibility to focus on areas of personal interest.

Where to Study Anthropology

Available at most universities with social science faculties and online programs offering virtual field methods and cultural analysis courses.

12. Sports Management

Sports management combines business principles with a focus on athletics and sporting organizations. Coursework covers marketing, event planning, facility management, and sports law, often with internships in the industry.

• Main Pros: Combines passion for sports with business skills, diverse career opportunities, and networking potential
• Main Cons: Competitive industry, often requires strong networking to secure top positions
• Popular Jobs: Sports agent, athletic director, event coordinator, facility manager

What Makes Sports Management an Easy Degree to Get

Much of the coursework parallels business administration, with added sports-specific content. Programs emphasize practical projects, case studies, and internships over highly technical assessments.

Where to Study Sports Management

Offered at universities with strong business or kinesiology departments and online programs designed for working professionals.

13. Art

An art degree develops creative and technical skills in mediums such as painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, and digital design. Coursework often involves studio practice, critiques, and portfolio development.

• Main Pros: Encourages self-expression, builds technical proficiency, and has potential for freelance opportunities
• Main Cons: Competitive job market, variable income stability, often reliant on building a client base
• Popular Jobs: Artist, graphic designer, art director, illustrator

What Makes Art an Easy Degree to Get

Art programs are highly project-based, with assessments focused on creative output and portfolios rather than written exams. Students can choose mediums and techniques they enjoy, making the work more engaging.

Where to Study Art

Found at universities, art schools, and community colleges, with many online programs offering flexible studio assignments and digital portfolio submission.

Easiest Degrees to Get Online

Pursuing the easiest degrees online can be a strategic choice for working adults, career changers, and students who need a more flexible path to higher education. Many online programs are designed with streamlined curricula, accessible entry requirements, and supportive learning environments that help reduce traditional barriers to completing a degree.

These online programs are often self-paced or offer asynchronous classes, allowing you to balance studies with work and personal responsibilities. While the rigor matches on-campus learning, the ability to study from anywhere can make the process more manageable.

Here are some of the easiest degrees to complete online:

• Business Administration: Offers a broad curriculum with real-world applications, including management, marketing, and finance. Flexible course options and practical projects make it accessible.
• Liberal Arts / General Studies: This program offers a diverse selection of courses in humanities and social sciences, with minimal prerequisites and the freedom to explore multiple subjects.
• Communications: This program focuses on writing, presentation skills, and media strategy, with coursework that is both accessible and directly applicable to many careers.
• Criminal Justice: This program features a straightforward curriculum centered on law enforcement, legal systems, and public safety, with clear career pathways.
• Psychology: Covers human behavior and mental processes in engaging, theory-based courses accessible to most students.

Which Degrees are Easiest to Get at University of the People?

University of the People offers a variety of degree programs designed to be accessible and flexible, accommodating the diverse needs of students. Their programs include degrees in Business Administration, Computer Science, Health Science, and Education, as well as Master’s and Associate’s degrees and Certificate programs.

The university’s commitment to providing a supportive learning environment and self-paced education makes it easier for students to achieve their educational goals. With a focus on affordability and flexibility, UoPeople ensures that higher education is within reach for everyone.

How to Choose an Easy Degree for You

Choosing an “easy” degree doesn’t mean picking the path of least effort—it means selecting a program that aligns with your strengths, learning style, and life circumstances so you can complete it successfully and gain real value from it.

Start by identifying your natural skills and interests. If you excel in writing and communication, you may find liberal arts, communications, or social sciences easier to manage than math-heavy STEM fields. Aligning your studies with your existing abilities can make coursework more achievable and enjoyable.

Next, consider your long-term career goals. The easiest degree for you should still provide viable job opportunities, potential for advancement, and personal fulfillment. Evaluate whether the field is growing, the types of roles available, and whether you might need further study.

Finally, think about your lifestyle and available time. Some degrees require on-site labs, fieldwork, or internships, while others can be completed entirely online at your own pace. Choosing a format and workload that fits your schedule can make the degree more manageable without compromising on quality or outcomes.

Final Thoughts

While certain degrees are known for being more accessible, the “easiest” degree ultimately depends on your unique skills, interests, and goals. Programs in the liberal arts, social sciences, and creative fields often avoid highly technical or math-intensive requirements, making them more manageable for many students.

Online learning has further expanded access, allowing you to earn a degree in a flexible, affordable way, especially through accredited tuition-free options like the University of the People. By selecting a degree that aligns with your strengths and aspirations, you can set yourself up for academic success and long-term career satisfaction.

FAQs

Which degrees require minimal effort and time investment?

Degrees in fields such as Theatre, Creative Writing, and Social Work are often considered to require less time and effort compared to more technical or science-heavy disciplines.

Are there degrees that prioritize practical skills acquisition?

Yes, degrees in Education, Communications and PR, and Sports Management focus on practical skills that can be directly applied in the workforce.

Are online degrees generally considered easier to obtain?

Online degrees offer flexibility and convenience, allowing students to study at their own pace. However, the rigor and requirements are comparable to traditional degrees.

Is business an easy degree?

Due to its broad curriculum and practical applications, a business degree is accessible for many students. The ease of obtaining it depends on the individual’s aptitude and interest.

Is psychology an easy degree?

Psychology can be easier for those interested in human behavior and social sciences, but it still requires rigorous study and understanding of complex theories.

Do certain degrees have higher completion rates among students?

Degrees with higher completion rates often include fields like Business Administration and Education, which offer clear career paths and practical applications.

What is the easiest degree to get at the University of the People?

Degrees in Business Administration and Health Science are considered accessible and practical, offering a balance of ease and career applicability.